The role of Community based organisations in sustaining community regeneration – an evaluation of the development of Castle Vale Community Regeneration Services (CVCRS) Lisa Martinali – Director CVCRS Veronica Coatham – Chair CVCRS and Housing Leader, Birmingham City University

Background Castle Vale estate was built between 1964 and 1969 Located in east Birmingham Largest post-war estate in the Midlands Home to > 20,000 people in 5,000 homes 34 tower blocks, maisonettes and houses Housing Action Trust established 1993 to take a holistic approach to regeneration Community involvement

The Transformation Physical –2200 homes demolished –1500 new homes built –1333 homes refurbished Social & Economic –1461 jobs created –3451 training places offered –New shopping centre, community facilities –Unemployment reduced –Educational attainment improved –People living longer –Reduction in crime

Maintaining the momentum 4:6 super output areas still in England’s poorest 10% Still concerns over fear of crime Local services don't fully meet local needs or resident aspirations Jobs, training and education remain priorities Poor health due to life styles remains an issue

Neighbourhood Partnership Board Coordinates 10 successor organisations established by HAT Environment, health, housing, community safety, training and education Partnership approach with West Midlands Police, Learning Skills Council, Primary Care Trust, Castle Vale Community Housing Association (CVCHA), Tenants and Residents Alliance, Birmingham City Council

Role of CVCRS Created by CVCHA in 2003 as the Community Development Unit Delivers community initiatives and supports on going sustainability of the estate Became CVCRS 2007, a subsidiary of CVCHA – 6 members, 9 staff Works closely with the Neighbourhood Partnership Board (NPB) to deliver projects A social enterprise

Main programme areas –Youth –Health –Environment –The Sanctuary Building –Capacity Building (Guide neighbourhoods) –Tenancy Support Reflecting national, regional, local, estate policy objectives and resident priorities

Funding Neighbourhood Renewal Funding Endowment Trust Fund Primary Care Trust Castle Vale Community Housing Association Big Lottery Fund Terence Higgins Trust West Midlands Police Connexions DEFRA

Projects – examples Neighbourhood Renewal Funding Endowment Trust Fund Primary Care Trust Castle Vale Community Housing Association Big Lottery Fund Terence Higgins Trust West Midlands Police Connexions DEFRA

Challenges New government commissioning arrangements Sustainment of charitable ethos Becoming delivers of public service services Impact on partnership working brought about through competing for funds Future relationship with CVCHA and the NPB Forging relationships with other third sector agencies and the local authority

Opportunities Reputable delivery agent Experienced and enthusiastic staff Strong governance arrangements Financial and administrative infrastructure in place Located in the Sanctuary community building Well networked locally Emerging third sector agenda Mainstreaming by public sector bodies Castle Vale Brand